Media Statement – Public Comment on recent Bail decision
MEDIA STATEMENT – PUBLIC COMMENT ON RECENT BAIL DECISION
CLANT was disappointed to read recent commentary in relation to a decision by a Judge of the Supreme Court to grant bail to a 16-year-old defendant to attend a funeral in a remote community.
While it is understandable that matters of bail evoke strong community reactions, particularly where a defendant is accused of serious crimes, some of the reporting of this decision contained factual inaccuracies, as well as omitting relevant features of the nature of the decision.
Judges are an essential part of the system that ensures that Territorians receive just outcomes when they appear in court. They are often called upon to make very difficult decisions in complicated circumstances, and do so in accordance with the law and the evidence before them.
Judges explain their decisions by providing reasons in courtrooms that are open to the public. Members of the community who wish to understand why a decision is made should attend and listen to those reasons instead of engaging in speculation.
Criticism of judicial decisions is a normal part of democratic society, but it is crucial that such discourse remains respectful and informed, recognising the role of the judiciary in upholding justice fairly and independent of external influence.